Pakistan rubbishes reports on Saudi Arabia’s role in FATF assessment

Islamabad and Riyadh enjoy strong fraternal ties and always cooperate with each other on all issues, says FO

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Office on Thursday categorically rejected false media reports on Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) assessment concerning the country’s action plan

Responding to media queries regarding the role of Saudi Arabia in the assessment of Pakistan’s FATF action plan, Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry snubbed the news as “false and baseless”.

“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong fraternal ties and the two countries have always cooperated with each other on all matters of bilateral, regional and international importance,” the statement said, adding that Pakistan greatly values its relations with the kingdom and firmly rejects such malicious propaganda.

FATF is scheduled announce its assessment of Pakistan’s progress on the action plan and the future course of action after conclusion of its virtual plenary meeting.

According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan might remain in the FATF grey list due to not being able to comply with six of the 27 points in the global watchdog’s action plan but the country has managed to avert being blacklisted.

The country will, however, succeed in exiting the FATF’s grey list by June next year, the sources added.

The global watchdog for curbing terror financing and money laundering will be holding its virtual plenary session from October 21 to 23. It will review Pakistan's progress on the 27-point action plan.